The process of school reopening is complex, involving community engagement and multiple partners like parents’ groups and teachers’ unions. It takes time to build trust and reclaim confidence in the safety of in-person learning.
It also requires a deep understanding of how the pandemic has affected communities. Many people have exhausted their savings and lost income, with the hardest hit being the poorest families. This has created a vicious cycle of deprivation that affects mental health, nutrition and the ability to take precautions against infection. It’s critical that schools be among the first services to reopen once restrictions have been eased, and that they prioritize access for vulnerable children.
UNICEF is supporting schools to reopen with water and hygiene facilities for students, teachers and staff as well as training on handwashing and respiratory etiquette. We are also working to ensure that children with disabilities and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds have the support they need to return to school, including ensuring access to learning opportunities that are tailored to their unique needs.
To start a new school, you’ll need to understand the regulatory framework for education in your state. This will involve obtaining charter approvals or private school certification, as well as creating a business plan that details the educational philosophy and curriculum of your school. You’ll also need to find a facility, either a former school that’s already licensed or another space that can be renovated into classrooms.